History of the Club

Initially, only two wings of the Hotel's roof were to be taken. Again, Bob Smith exhibited his intense interest and extreme generosity by making possible, in 1950, the inclusion of the third wing in the plans.

In records such as these, it usually is both difficult and unfair to attempt to single out individuals for special commendation when everyone involved gives so wholeheartedly of his time, wealth, and effort. In the case of the Petroleum Club, however, there should be no challenge to saluting R. E. (Bob) Smith and Marlin Sandlin. The former provided financial assistance which made the difference between having a "nice" club and having an outstanding club. The latter is deserving of unanimous plaudits for his extraordinary organizational skill and energy which gave the Club the firm foundation of membership and policies on which it is built.

The year 1950 was a busy one for all Directors. Edward Perrault, Jr. was selected for interior decoration and John Staub was retained as consulting architect. A Club manager was employed and the Directors chose the accounting firm of Harris, Kerr, Forster & Co. to serve the Club.

With the physical plans adopted and underway, the Board turned its attention to the writing of the Club Bylaws and to the establishment of permanent Club policies. At its November 1950, meeting, the Board approved the Bylaws and an amendment to the Charter increasing the number of Directors. The members, at that meeting, elected E. E. Pickering, Jr., Harris Underwood, and Howard C. Warren to the expanded Directorate, in conformance with the Charter amendment.